Snoring can be disruptive to your nightly sleep, along with your family’s and loved ones’ sleep. Snoring can also be a sign of a serious sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). So, how do you know when your snoring is just simple snoring or when it is a sign of OSA? As obstructive sleep apnea can increase your risks of serious health complications that can include high blood pressure or heart disease, knowing the difference can help you get the right treatment to solve the problem and protect your health. Your dentist can help you treat sleep apnea, which can lower your risk of developing these potentially serious complications. Treatment can also help you and your loved ones to get a good night of sleep. 

Knowing the Differences

Simple snoring is caused by the soft tissues in your throat partially blocking your air passage to create a vibration that creates a sound. Snoring can be caused by things like being overweight, sinus conditions, allergies, a common cold or flu, or having excess soft tissue in your mouth or throat. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where several times a night, your airways become blocked by the soft tissues so significantly that it prevents oxygen from reaching your bloodstream. Your body will wake you up so that you can gasp for air. While your body waking up is usually not enough to consciously wake your brain, it can happen enough times during the night to be disruptive to your sleep cycle.

Health Risks Caused By OSA

Sleep disruption from OSA can be enough to prevent you from achieving a full sleep cycle with REM (rapid eye movement), which is the most restorative part of sleep. This lack of deep sleep can leave you drowsy and prone to mood swings. Sleep deprivation can also cause changes in your hormones, which can lead to depression or obesity. As your body adjusts itself to the deprivation of oxygen in your blood caused by OSA, it could cause high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases your risks of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.

Is your snoring a sign of sleep apnea?

We can help you to treat sleep apnea. To schedule a consultation with Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX call us at 903-455-5750. We proudly serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, Royce City, Sulphur Springs, and all surrounding communities.